the journal

This lovely journal, not made lovely by chronic pain, but deepened because of it. Humane, delicate and bold as the journals of May Sarton or Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s observation of her snail.

— Elizabeth Smither, poet and novelist

“Slow, elegant and brave, this journal, a map of a year of constant pain, delves into the author's struggle to 'live in the moment.' Full of grit and stoicism, the writer makes a beautiful chart of a horrid thing. An admirable achievement.”

— KateLlewellyn, poet and author

For twelve months Deborah Shepard kept a journal to help her with a chronic pain condition. Soon she found herself contemplating all of life’s pains and losses, including the devastating earthquakes that shattered her hometown of Christchurch. Searching for a way through, she began observing the natural world on her doorstep and reflecting on family and friendship, flowers, beauty, literature and art. By ‘giving herself to life’ she discovered the power of writing to heal. Find out more.